MusicFirst Technology with S-Cubed Sight Singing Program

In June 2019, Jim Frankel from MusicFirst, reached out to me to see if I'd be willing to offer S-Cubed Curriculum on MusicFirst along with the one-to-one assessment examples I created for the program.  

In August 2019, my program was up and running on MusicFirst along with other Premium Content that is available on MusicFirst.

I've taught 300+ students in my public school classroom now for 28 years, and I recognize the value of technologies in evaluating individual students with class sizes as large as mine are.  

Now, in the current environments we all face in our choral music classrooms, these technologies are more important than ever before.

Today, MusicFirst sponsored a free online conference, and they featured my content to show how it works with their technology.

Click here to view the video.

My assessment examples are also available on Music Prodigy.  You can get a year long subscription for $329 that is renewable.  You'll need to purchase the Level One curriculum on TpT or JW Pepper.  You can also get the distance versions of the curriculum in those two locations.

Today, I had a conversation with Heath Matthews about offering my assessment examples on Smart Music as well.  More details are coming soon!

Thank you for your support!

Distance Learning Version of Level ONE S-Cubed Sight Singing Now Also Available on JW Pepper

FROM....

If your administrator, school or district is one of those that still isn't allowing you to purchase from the amazing digital resource platform Teachers Pay Teachers after all of these years, I've got great news for YOU!  JW Pepper entered the digital market a few years back, they are offering my "specially designed for this moment" renovated version of Level ONE Distance Learning Version of S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for Beginners TOO!

Here is the link.

There is a reason JW Pepper has been around for so many years.  They are a great company that has stayed on top of the changing market...over and over...and they are doing it again!

So, let your administrators know about this option for purchase in case you need it!

Have a great year...and remember...this is only temporary.  We will sing in groups again...and when we do, we are going to make the best art we've made in a very long time. 

We are DONE! Distance Learning Version of Lesson 27-SMART SINGERS-is RELEASED!

Distance Learning Version Lesson 27 -SMART SINGERS-is FREE until 4:30 PM EST.

Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Thanks for staying tuned all summer.  I hope these lessons benefit you and take some pressure off.  We need the students to learn to sight sing, and they can do it at home with these tools we've shared.

Please talk to your supervisors and fellow peers about this Distance Learning Program online.  Tag me.  I will reply to every single one.  

Some districts who have decided to begin the school year virtually have already begun contacting me to get access to this "ready to use" virtual sight singing curriculum.  I am happy to negotiate pricing and purchase dates with your district leaders.  I realize budgets are tight.  If your supervisor would like to buy multiple licenses of my Distance Learning Version of S-Cubed so lots of teachers in your district can have this tool, I am more than happy negotiate a budget friendly price when purchasing from TpT.  Tell them to email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Multiple License Discount Distance Purchase" in the subject line.  

 Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

Distance Learning Version Lesson 26-RECOVERY-is RELEASE!

Distance Learning Lesson 26-RECOVERY-is released.

It is free until 8:30 PM EST tonight.  

Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Only ONE MORE more lessons to go before we have all of Level 1 ready for Distance Learning for this school year!  Some districts who have decided to begin the school year virtually have already begun contacting me to get access to this "ready to use" virtual sight singing curriculum.  I am happy to negotiate pricing and purchase dates with your district leaders.  I realize budgets are tight.  

The entire bundle of Level 1 (all 27 lessons) will be available on or before July 31st.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

We are almost done with Level 1 of S-Cubed!

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Distance Learning COMPLETE BUNDLE LEVEL ONE-RELEASED!

Here is the link to Level ONE of the Distance Bundle of S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for Beginners.

If you've never heard about my sight singing program, start here.

The Complete Bundle of Level ONE of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for Beginners is finally finished!

This huge project has been created in response to Covid-19 and the resulting impacts on schools that include virtual learning. This program was originally designed to help teachers teach beginners to sight sing in the group setting in a classroom. Since late April of 2020, soon after schools around the country closed their buildings for regular teaching in the classroom, we've worked to re-create all of these lessons so our students can continue to learn to sight sing from their computers in these guided lessons. When I first created S-Cubed Sight Singing Program, there was and is nothing like it on the market. I designed it to be lesson plans plus "coaching" video links to help the teacher, but "teaching example" video links in case you wanted to watch me teach it. It's all still there...and once again, there is nothing like this year long distance learning program on the market for choral teachers. They are designed so that you can simply upload the lessons into your virtual platform (like Google Classroom, for example) and follow the teacher who is on computer screen on video teaching you. The lessons are editable so you can do what you'd like as well in order to custom fit the lessons for your students.

Additional Assessment Option for Added Accountability-MUSIC PRODIGY

Assessments are included in the Distance Learning Package of S-Cubed, but, during virtual learning, I plan to supplement the assessments that are included with custom designed assessments/practice examples that I created a few years ago. I placed the examples onto the Music Prodigy platform because I instantly fell in love with the technology when they gave me the opportunity to try it. Students sing into their phones/devices and voila...feedback and grade. Based on what I learned about accountability during the original shutdown, I realize that I will need to use Music Prodigy more than ever to ensure that students are practicing and learning on their own. In order to hold students accountable, Music Prodigy is a great option because it grades the students instantly when they do the sight singing example. The notes turn green, yellow or red based on pitch and rhythmic accuracy. You can see how long a student worked on an example as well. Music Prodigy gives you enormous amounts of data. You can listen to each student sing the example as well. Music Prodigy is an annual subscription, and there is one price for all students regardless of the size of your program.

You can purchase Music Prodigy here.

MULTIPLE LICENSE DISCOUNTS FOR

 

S-CUBED DISTANCE BUNDLE LEVEL ONE

 

AVAILABLE FOR DISTRICTS 

 

Because so many districts are opening virtually this year, I am more than willing to negotiate multiple license purchase discounts with any district leaders who'd like to purchase this "ready to use" distance sight singing learning program for their districts. TpT is the only place this option will be available because it is the only platform on which I am given that option. Have your district leaders contact me directly at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "district multiple license purchase" in the subject line.

New to S-Cubed? Here is some info for you:

Before proceeding with the purchase of this lesson, please read this product description if you wish to purchase the original version of S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for Beginners or if you wish to learn more about the program. Also, this blog post so you are very clear about what you are purchasing and what our goals are with this project. This is a "test run" of some distance learning versions of S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for Beginners.

Description of the Distance Version-

These guided video lessons are a great resource for our students who are distance learners.  Distance learning with Mr. C! follows a modified version of Music In the Middle with Mr. D! S-Cubed! Sight Singing Program for Beginners. In the event that your daily routines are disrupted, students are encouraged to continue learning at their own pace from home. 

Mario Contreras, who leads the Distance Learning sessions in S-Cubed, aka “Mr. C.”, has been a middle school choir director for 9 years.  He has used S-Cubed! to build strong foundations with his choirs for many years and has seen and heard positive feedback from his students.

In light of world events that have led to an increase in Distance Learning, Mr. C has created student-friendly video instruction of S-Cubed!   He has modified the original product to fit the needs of our distance learners.

This product fosters continued music education at home, and would benefit students who require extra learning accommodations in choir.  Mr. C has also added suggestions for assessing a student's mastery within the documents he has created. 

Although this is not a replacement for a hands-on learning experience in a traditional choral setting, this will help build and maintain a strong foundation in individual music literacy and choral techniques for our young musicians.  

• Guided video instruction from a real middle school choir director
• Follows a modified version of S-Cubed level 1 
• Continued music education at home/ remote leaning 
• Introducing/reinforcing new music knowledge and skills
• Suggested Assessments of Mastery 

Distance Learning Version Lesson 25-TWO PARTS-is free until 4:30 PM EST

Distance Learning Version Lesson 25-TWO PARTS-is FREE until 4:30 PM EST.

Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Only TWO MORE more lessons to go before we have all of Level 1 ready for Distance Learning for this school year!  Some districts who have decided to begin the school year virtually have already begun contacting me to get access to this "ready to use" virtual sight singing curriculum.  I am happy to negotiate pricing and purchase dates with your district leaders.  I realize budgets are tight.  

The entire bundle of Level 1 (all 27 lessons) will be available on or before July 31st.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

We are almost done with Level 1 of S-Cubed!

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Distance Version Lesson 24-HUNT and FOCUS-is RELEASED!

Distance Learning Version Lesson 24-HUNT and FOCUS-is released!

It will be free until 8 PM EST tonight to make up for the short time that Lesson 23 was free when I released it last week!

Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Only 3 more lessons to go before we have all of Level 1 ready for Distance Learning for this school year!  Some districts who have decided to begin the school year virtually have already begun contacting me to get access to this "ready to use" virtual sight singing curriculum.  I am happy to negotiate pricing and purchase dates with your district leaders.  I realize budgets are tight.  

The entire bundle of Level 1 (all 27 lessons) will be available on or before July 31st.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

We are almost done with Level 1 of S-Cubed!

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Already own Level 1/2 or MEGA? Want the Distance Learning Version? Here is how-

It's happening between now and July 31, 2020...so let's get on it.  

Do you already own the original version of S-Cubed Sight Singing Level ONE/TWO or the MEGA Bundle?  

 If so, this post is for you and make sure you read all the way to the bottom.  

First of all, thank you for your posts on social media about your success using the program with your students since I began sharing this program a few years back.  It is because of you that word of this program has spread and teachers are getting the sight singing tools they need to teach the true beginner. 

All summer, I’ve been working on the “Distance Learning” version of S-Cubed alongside Mario Contreras so we could all hit the ground running on Day 1 with teaching our beginners literacy.  Some of you have probably been staying tuned all summer and have been taking advantage of the slow roll out we’ve done.  Perhaps you’ve grabbed some of the free lessons we’ve offered, or gotten the lessons at a really inexpensive price.  Or perhaps you’ve “check out” of everything mentally (well deserved).  It’s been a lot.  

If that last statement describes you, continue to read...  

We will finish creating the Distance Learning Version of S-Cubed Level ONE on or before July 31.  Once the bundle is complete, we will offer it at $269…but not for you.  You’re going to get it dirt cheap since you already own the full program and because of your amazing support over these years.  Here is how it will happen-  

#1-Email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com 

In the subject line, write “I already own Level ONE/TWO or MEGA”  

#2-You must do this before NOON EST on Sunday, July 19.  

I am creating a special email list just for you.  I will send you an email with the special two-hour offer to get the entire Virtual Bundle, so make sure you have your notifications on for your emails between now and July 31.  

Thank you again for your support!  Best of luck in the new year!

Distance Learning Version Lesson 23-FIND/HOLD/DRILL-is released

Distance Learning Version Lesson 23-FIND/HOLD/DRILL  is released.  

It will be free for only one hour tonight because I go to bed early.  :-)

Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Only 4 more lessons to go before we have all of Level 1 ready for Distance Learning for this school year!  Some districts who have decided to begin the school year virtually have already begun contacting me to get access to this "ready to use" virtual sight singing curriculum.  I am happy to negotiate pricing and purchase dates with your district leaders.  I realize budgets are tight.  

The entire bundle of Level 1 (all 27 lessons) will be available on or before July 31st.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

We are almost done with Level 1 of S-Cubed!

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Distance Learning Version Lesson 22-SYNCOPATION-is Released

Distance Learning Version Lesson 22-Syncopation-is released.  

It will be free until 10 AM EST on July 15.  Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Only 5 more lessons to go before we have all of Level 1 ready for Distance Learning for this school year!  Some districts who have decided to begin the school year virtually have already begun contacting me to get access to this "ready to use" virtual sight singing curriculum.  I am happy to negotiate pricing and purchase dates with your district leaders.  I realize budgets are tight.  

The entire bundle of Level 1 (all 27 lessons) will be available on or before July 31st.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

We are almost done with Level 1 of S-Cubed.

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Distance Learning Version Lesson 21-MATH CLASS Released!

Distance Learning Version Lesson 21-MATH CLASS-S-Cubed-Released-Free Two Hours-is released.  

It will be free until 10 PM EST Sunday, July 12.  Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Meanwhile...for your enjoyment....take a look at this-https://vm.tiktok.com/JL93yVb/

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions.

We are almost done with Level 1 of S-Cubed.

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Distance Learning Version Lesson 20 Released and a New BUNDLE Special

If you haven't gotten started preparing for the possibility of distance learning sight singing in your choral music classroom next year, this is a great day to start that journey because there is free stuff offered today, and great discounts on everything we have created so far as we work to modify S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for the new world we all face.  

Time is limited on these offers.

Distance Learning Version Lesson 20 is released and will be free until 4:30 PM EST today (Thursday, July 9).  Then, it will be $5 for a few days more.  

Distance Learning Bundle #4 with Lessons 16-20 will be $29 until 5 PM EST today also.  Then, it will be $49.

If you've missed the other bundles, I am pricing them all at $29 until 5 PM today.  All of the bundles will return to their regular pricing at 5 PM today ($49 each).  

Bundle #1-Lesson 1-5 is here.

Bundle #2-Lessons 6-10 is here.

Distance Learning Bundle #3 (Lessons 11-15).  

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the next several weeks!  To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

2.5 weeks until I start school during Covid-19-A Chorus Teacher's Lament

Here is what I’m doing as I wrap my brain around what is about to happen when teachers return with students in person...

First and foremost, it’s about the comfort of the 11-14 year olds we teach.  We are the adults and they don’t care what the district said or who is president.  

I want to sing, and so do they.   What does that look like?   

Masks?   Distanced.  Muffled...fine.  Let’s go.  

Don’t listen to rumor.  It doesn’t matter.  We learned that in middle school. 

State directives matter.  So listen.  

How your district interprets those...if allowed....that matters too.  

And in my state, principals get some leeway.  

So I’ll listen and guide if allowed.  

That’s my two bits for today!  

And take it for that...two bits.   :-)

Distance Learning Version Lesson 19-Awakening-Free for TWO hours!

Distance Learning Version Lesson 19-AWAKENING!-is released.  

It will be free until 12:00 PM EST today (July 8th).  Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions!

When Lesson 20 is released in the next few days, we will release a bundle that includes Lessons 16-20.  That bundle will be priced at $49 normally, but for about 2 hours, it will be priced at $29.

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.  

Distance Learning Lesson 18-MILESTONE-Released!

Distance Learning Version Lesson 18-MILESTONE!-is released.  

It will be free until 5:30 PM EST today (July 6th).  Then, it will be $5 for a few days.  

Make sure to check out all of the other Distance Learning Versions of S-Cubed that we've created so far since we started in early May as we prepare for what we face this fall.  Click this link and you'll be taken straight to all of the Distance Learning Versions!

More Distance Learning lessons of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program for beginners will be released throughout the end of July.   To ensure that you don't miss any of the releases, email me at inthemiddlewithmrd@gmail.com and write "Subscribe" in the subject line.